Auction Report, 19th September 2008
Text and photographs by David Marshall, Ryedale Aquarist Society
Click on images for bigger view

auctio08_1.jpg (25662 bytes)The auction gets underway
On Sunday 19th September STAMPS held their Autumn Auction at the Charles Young Centre, South Shields. 
Sue and I arrived in good time and all around us the STAMPS members were busy booking in 'lots', assisting with the carrying of various boxes associated with their event and preparing what would be another excellent raffle.

auction08_4.jpg (34740 bytes)Norman & Alex start the auction
When the auction began just under 20 'lots' had been booked. Chief Auctioneer for the day was Mr. Norman Banks (OASIS) while Mr. Alex Morrison (WASPS) took a turn to keep things running smoothly.

auction08_5.jpg (29958 bytes)Bede tries a bit of exercise
This would be a fantastic fish auction. A large number of cichlids would be seen today with new species for sale that included Aulonacara 'blue blotch', Azure cichlid and Aulonacara 'piebald'.


auction08_2.jpg (24662 bytes)Rob Jackson look on while Bede is nothing but a blur in the background
As is usually the case at north-east auctions some excellent quality livebearers would make an appearance and these included Characodon lateralis, Leopard Guppy, various forms of Poecilia wingei, Gold Molly and some beautiful Orange Swordtails with extended fins. Most peculiar fish offered for sale would be some freshwater Sticklebacks. Still don't know the exact identity of Microsynodontis 'species' microglanis but one is now doing very well in a tank at Pickering.
Away from the fish side a vast variety of 'stuff' would make an appearance that included aquarium plants, hoods for tanks, living food cultures, dried fish foods, spares for filters and aquarium text books.
So everything you need for a successful fish auction was here with the usual sprinkle of humour and friendliness associated with a STAMPS event.
WELL DONE to all the STAMPS members involved with today's event and to their helpers from fellow TTAA/FBAS affiliated Societies who all worked together to make another day to remember.